Nov
21

Toyota shows off track ready Yaris and Camry at SEMA show

ssr50 on November 21st, 2011

The exhibit of Toyota at the 2011 SEMA focuses on racing as it puts spotlight on the 2012 Camry Pace Car for the Daytona 500 and the B-Spec Club Racer 2012 Yaris.

The 2012 Camry serving as the pace car for the Great American Race marks a spot in history as a non-Chrysler, Ford or GM to do the job. The move may not actually be a controversial one as the Japanese car manufacturer has poured in around $5.4 billion of investments to its Kentucky plant that makes vehicles for the U.S. market like the Toyota Camry and its Hybrid version. This Toyota complex has about 6,600 employees with a payroll of around $441 million.

The 2012 Camry Daytona 500 Pace Car will do its job when the race kicks off before the end of February 2012.

The Pace Car will be based on the 268 HP 2012 Camry SE that makes use of a V6 3.5L engine. The setup also gets a brake kit for StopTech, stainless steel exhaust customized by TRD, and adjustable suspension by Tein. For safety, the Camry gets a roll cage, 4-point seat belts by Simpson, an LED lightbar by Whelen LFL, and a fire extinguisher.

The Yaris on display at the SEMA show this year is a very important piece of automotive since it is the first Yaris SE-based race car built in the United States. The Club Racer will be compete against other race cars in the SCCA B-spec segment next year.

The B-Spec ready Yaris Club racer sports graphics similar to the LeMans GT-One Toyota entry, suspension kit by Cusco Zero, roll cage conforming with SCCA requirements, and cat-back exhaust from Beta Motorsports.

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Dec
1

Chinese Chery Electric Cars poised to enter the US Market

ssr50 on December 1st, 2010

Electric cars are certainly big things nowadays what with people looking for different options to the ever increasing fuel rates and for renewable sources of energy. That is the reason why there are so many new entrants in the field of electric cars. The latest to enter these tried and tested waters is chery EVChery Automobile from China. They are China’s largest domestic brand for automobiles. They are on the brink of launching their new age electric car in the US market. This was recently announced by the company spokesperson and the car should be on the roads in early 2011.

The initial plan is to roll out the first three models which are in the form of small electric cars which have been specially designed keeping the US segment in mind this is supposed to be a test project and if all goes well there will be more models launched in the future.

These cars have been made keeping in mind different ways to generate energy. The latest information mentioned by Yuan Tao, the general manager at Chery is that there is the S18 version of these cars just about ready to roll out in the year 2011. This will bring about other models provided all goes well with the pilot batch.

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Nov
25

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Spied on Training

ssr50 on November 25th, 2010

As spied by the automotive paparazzi, the Struttgard engineers are definitely working hard preparing the next-gen SLK Roadster. This car is slated to be launched sometime next year as Mercedes-Benz’s 2012 model. This small vehicle from the German auto maker doesn’t fall short from show-class standards, which leads most reviewers to believe that it will be making an appearance at the Paris Motor Show this year.

There is still very scarce information about the latest SLK, but there’s a rumor going around that it will be equipped with a brand new twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The AMG-branded roadster can probably produce around 476 HP with this baby. That’s an insane amount of power, to say the least, considering that the outgoing SLK55 AMG has to make do with only 355 HP. But wait, that’s already potent enough for most drivers.

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Oct
1

Upscale BMW Factory Tour for $99

ssr50 on October 1st, 2010

If you want to see how the German car manufacturer makes its cars, BMW is now offering an upscale tour of its assembly plant in Spartan S.C. This tour costs $99, and lasts for about three days. Although the plant has been receiving BMW_logoguests and conducting tours since 1990, this new tour package, as promised by the auto maker, is going to be edgier.

The tour includes a peek at what happens “behind-the-scenes” in the plant, a tour of the on-site Zentrum theater and museum, a “driving experience” tour at the Performance center driving school which is right across the plant (this lasts for two whole hours), and rare-vehicle demonstrations. Occasional “culinary events” are also in store for those who will be availing the package tour.

Apparently, limited areas of the plant (ones for X5 and X6 productions) can also be accessed by guests for an additional $7. The Zentrum, on the other hand, can be visited without any entrance fees. Despite the fees, though, the plant seems to be very popular with the visitors. According to Spartan plant spokesperson Bunny Richardson, it receives an average of 30,000 visitors every year.

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Jun
12

For the Record: New Ford Mustang first to hit 305 HP but maintains 30 mpg

ssr50 on June 12th, 2010

The Ford Mustang, with its V6 trims, has been lagging behind its pony car competition that boasts of more powerful and more efficient powertrains. 2011 Ford MustangThe Mustang that outputs 210 horsepower has decided to change its course. Ford is scheduled to release this spring the 2011 Mustang which sports a V-6 3.7L engine.

The new powerplant is capable of giving out 305 hp and is the first car in history to output more than 300 hp but still able to manage to have a fuel mileage of 30 mpg. EPA rating is excellent with the new Ford Mustang on automatic transmission being able to do 31 mpg while cruising on the highway and 19 mpg snaking in and out of city traffic. The engine paired with manual transmission also has very good numbers with 29 mpg and 19 mpg for highway and city driving, respectively.

Side by side with the new Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro is not far behind with a V-6 under its hood, it has a fuel mileage of 29 mpg on highway and 18 mpg for city driving. The Dodge Challenger returns 25 mpg for highway and 18 mpg for city driving.

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Apr
25

Mazda Owns Offset Wheel Mounted Electric Motor: Patent Granted

ssr50 on April 25th, 2010

Mazda LogoThe Japanese car maker, Mazda, was finally granted a patent by the U.S. government for an offset, wheel-mounted electric motor designed exclusively for electric and hybrid vehicles. Compared to this design, the motor of the car was previously mounted concentric with the vehicle’s wheel. The patented design, on the other hand, has the motor offset with the wheel’s axis with a gear set. This gear set then gives the hub drive torque.

Aside from the power, the design also maximizes the space under the car’s hood. Usually, the hub’s motor takes up most of the space within the wheel. This limits the suspension links’ mounting locations, eventually compromising the handling of the car and the ride.

With this installation, Mazda is also given a wider range when it comes to designing through-the-road hybrids. With motors on the axle and the mechanical drive displaced on the opposite end, this type of hybrid vehicle is highly possible. The set up also allows for possible power-split hybrid designs.

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Mar
9

2010 Geneva: DBS UB-2010 uncovered by Aston Martin

ssr50 on March 9th, 2010

The past week in Geneva has unveiled a ton of picture perfect luxury, performance, hybrid, and supercars. Among the eye-catchers on the floor is Aston Martin’s DBS UB-2010. The special edition Aston Martin also comes with a customization option called Work Service Tailored.

Aston Martin UB-2010The DBS UB-2010 is a tribute to Dr. Ulrich Bez who celebrates a decade of being the CEO of Aston Martin. The Work Service Tailored option also highlights a unique and classy Azure Black bodyworks, bronze metallic leather, Cryptic titan accents for the interior, and leather seats. Sill plates that has been signed by the topman of Aston Martin with the UB-2010 logo completes the package.

The special edition DBS will have a very limited run. Only 40 units will be built. Half of these will be Coupes and half of it will be Volantes.

Works Service Tailored is very similar to the One-to-One service of the Ferrari and the Ad Personam of Lamborghini.  Aston Martin offers custom body color schemes and interiors.

The units displayed in Geneva showcased a UB-2010 in Magma Red Rapide that has accents in Cryptic Titan, and a DB9 with Blue Pearl finishing with leather seats in Blue Gin and wood finishing made from African walnut.

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Feb
28

Acura provides more dealer incentives, eagerly awaits hybrids

ssr50 on February 28th, 2010

Dealers have a big question mark in their thought clouds with Japanese carmaker Acura’s decision to cancel the V8 rear drive units and whether the brand ever reach even a luxury tier 1 status. Acura management however wants to assure dealers that the plan to rely on hybrids will hit them a jackpot.

acuraAcura for the meantime provides a pumped incentive package for their dealers while waiting for the arrival of their hybrid units. The details of the incentive are yet to be determined but everyone is excited for the sales even coming this April through July.

Acura will also push for more presence in the market through brand advertising. They will continue the campaign which started last year but there will be about 11 commercials coming up to promote the brand. Four of these ads will focus on Acura as the brand while the other commercials will spotlight product attributes.  All commercials will highlight the innovations and the research and development of Acura.

Additional funds are also being injected to the regional groups to beef up their campaigns.

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Feb
25

SLS AMG from Mercedes Benz tapped as F1 Safety Car for 2010 season

ssr50 on February 25th, 2010

The green lights are set to go off on March 12 for the 2010 season for Formula 1 and leading the race cars will be the SLS AMG Gullwing from Mercedes Benz named to be the official safety car. Reports say that the new safety car boasts of the most powerful engine ever for an F1 safety vehicle.

SLS AMG SAFETY CARThe SLS AMG will take the lead, taking over from its roadster sibling the SL 63 AMG used for 2009.

There was no need to tweak the set up of the SLS AMG being a supercar by nature. It has all the muscle it needs under its hood, a V8 that blasts 571 horsepower paired with a dual clutch transmission configured for seven speeds. The designers just added a rear silencer to give the car some good acoustics.

Of course, the new safety car was pimped and stamped with F1 logos all over just to emphasize that it will be in command of the race track. The standard lightbar on the roof, checked. Built in camera, checked. The organizers also installed a monitor on the console of the car so the crew has a real time view of what’s happening on the race track.

Inside the car, bucket seats were installed. A radio system was put in place to facilitate communication between the safety car, organizers, and other race officials.

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Jan
1

Preview: New breed of Toyota Prado & Lexus GX 460

ssr50 on January 1st, 2010

Japanese car maker Toyota is rolling out a new generation of Land Cruiser Prado in Europe and there is a big possibility that the next generation of Lexus GX will head to the United States.

The previous releases of the Prado and the GX performed well in terms of performance and comfort but it isn’t just very efficient in burning its fuel.lexus gx 460 The new models from Toyota coming as 5-door and 3-door rides are expected to come up with a jump in fuel mileage is a range of fuel efficient powertrains are installed in their engine bays.

Europe will have a choice between 3.0L diesel engine or a V6 4.0L gasoline power plant. U.S. consumers may only be able to get their hands on a V-6 release.

The new Toyota Prado and Lexus GX 2010 models will have a Multi-terrain Select feature which gives the vehicle enough power and traction depending on road conditions. They will also come with the multi-terrain monitor which feeds real time images from 4 cameras mounted on the vehicle to guide the driver where to bring the vehicle. Aside from the cameras, the new Toyota Prado and Lexus GX will be aiding the driver with the steering display to negotiate very tricky terrain.

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